Manhattan Judge Orders Trump to Pay $5.8 Million to E. Jean Carroll, Upholding Accountability
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A federal judge has directed the release of $5.8 million owed by Donald Trump to E. Jean Carroll, after the Supreme Court refused to shield the former president from consequences for sexual abuse and defamation.
On July 1, a Manhattan federal judge delivered a decisive blow to Donald Trump’s attempts to evade responsibility, ordering that over $5 million held in a court-controlled account be released to E. Jean Carroll. This sum, now totaling $5.8 million with interest, stems from a 2023 jury verdict that found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation—a landmark moment for survivors seeking justice against powerful men.
The ruling follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 29 decision to reject Trump’s desperate appeal, refusing to grant him special treatment. Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, quickly moved to ensure justice would not be delayed any longer, emphasizing that the four-year legal battle had dragged on long enough.
“He remarkably seeks to further delay Carroll’s collection of the judgment awarded to her in 2023,” Kaplan stated, highlighting Trump’s ongoing efforts to obstruct accountability.
Trump’s legal team, clinging to procedural tactics, argued on July 7 that the escrow should remain untouched until every possible appeal was exhausted, warning of supposed irreparable harm to Trump if the funds were released.
Legal analysts, however, pointed out that the odds of Trump receiving a stay from the Second Circuit or a Supreme Court rehearing were extremely slim, given the courts’ consistent reluctance to indulge such stalling tactics.
The CRIS system escrow was established in June 2023 to hold Trump’s judgment while he pursued appeals. Carroll’s team has pledged to donate any funds she receives to charitable causes, ensuring that the money will serve the public good rather than return to Trump.
With this order, the judge has finally cleared the way for Carroll to collect what she is owed, marking a significant victory for survivors and a resounding affirmation that even the most powerful must answer for their actions.